Managing Our Watersheds Today - For Tomorrow

FAQ’s

These are some popular questions or inquiries that are often asked about the N.D.C.A and Conservation Authorities in general. Please review the list to see if your issue is properly addressed. If we have not been able to answer your question, please inquire further by using the Contact Form to forward your question/comments, and we will respond to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest.

Who and what is the NDCA?

The NDCA is a community based environmental agency that promotes source water protection and safeguards local ecosystems throughout its area of jurisdiction known as the watershed, and based on watershed management programs.

What is source water protection?

Source water protection is protecting our municipal surface water sources such as lakes, rivers, streams and our groundwater sources from contamination or overuse so that we have enough clean water for all our uses. It is a lot more economical and healthy to prevent contamination and protect our drinking water at the source than it is to clean it up after contamination.

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater. Homes, farms, cottages, forests, small towns, big cities and more can make up watersheds. Some cross municipal, provincial and even international borders. They come in all shapes and sizes and can vary from millions of acres, like the land that drains into the Great Lakes, to a few acres that drain into a pond.

What is Watershed Management?

Watershed management in its simplest terms means managing wisely upstream so that downstream remains natural and healthy. The Conservation Authorities model has received worldwide recognition over its 50+ year history and the watershed is now recognized as one of the premier natural ecosystem units on which to manage renewable natural resources.

What does the NDCA do?

The NDCA is responsible for flood control; hazard land management; environmental planning; coordinating drinking water source protection planning and providing environmental education programs to increase public awareness and concerns for the natural environment

How are the programs and services of the NDCA funded?

The NDCA's regular watershed management program is funded by a levy from our member municipality, the City of Greater Sudbury; by grants from the Ministry of Natural Resources; by charging user fees for specific programs and services; and by donations provided through the Nickel District Conservation Foundation.

How does the NDCA. operate?

The NDCA is governed by a General Board which has nine members. All of the members are appointed by the City of Greater Sudbury for a four - year term. The NDCA staff implement the policies and program priorities identified/approved, by the General Board each year.

What work can I do near a creek/river/lake?

The NDCA regulates hazard lands near rivers, creeks and lakes. The regulations help protect the landowner, downstream neighbours and the natural environment. More detailed information on this important topic, can be found under Permits & Regulations.